This is to be expected when you think about how much political attention Orange has received in the last 12 months and some controversial issues facing the councils, like amalgamations and property developers. 

It is also unsurprising that, despite the election which is still over 50 days away, we have already had some 23 candidates (including five current councillors) announce their intentions to run.

A number of these are unashamedly Country Labor Party members. This has sparked a lot of attention and some criticism from certain unnamed commentators on the internet.

What has been left silent is the fact that out of the 11 current councillors, eight belong or have belonged to a political party in their previous term on council, with the Nationals Party outweighing all of the others.

The members of the Country Labor Party have not joined the party because they want to elevate themselves into politics – which is near impossible in this very conservative area – but because they believe in its values; fairness, equality, justice and inclusion. 

The local branch made the decision many years ago that party politics does not and should not be a part of local government.

It is for this reason the Country Labor Party does not endorse a council ticket.

This being said, if an individual believed they have something to offer the community and want to try their luck as a candidate, they do it with the full support of the branch.

This is evident by those that have announced and those currently sitting on council that have served this community well. 

On September 9 we will have to vote and we will need to decide who will make the best decisions for this community. Do we want ex-politicians? Do we want property developers?

If the byelection has taught us anything, it’s that every vote counts. Make an informed decision on your vote. Review the current councillors and those aspiring to be councillors.

Ask yourself who will service this community best.